Your pet could reveal where you live in London

Studies have shown your canine companion can provide an insight into your personality – and according to a survey released by The Kennel Club, your choice of dog breed can also reveal where you live in London.

Londoners residing in the north of the capital, including Islington and Camden, tend to favour Smooth Coated Chihuahuas with their popularity soaring by 218% in the last five years. The French Bulldog is also a favourite, increasing by 605% in popularity in the north London area.

Residents of south west London, including Wandsworth and Wimbledon, are huge fans of the Labrador Retriever. Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers are also popular.

In affluent areas of London, including Mayfair and Chelsea, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Smooth Coated Chihuahua are the breeds of choice – possibly due to their connotations of royalty and wealth.

More compact canines, such as the French Bulldog, Pug and Miniature Schnauzer are favourites in the East region, which includes the Docklands and Canary Wharf, as residents tend to live in smaller homes.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said, “If you live in a flat and work in the city or Docklands, with less access to open space you would perhaps own a Chihuahua or a small dog requiring less exercise, whereas somebody who lives in the more residential areas of Wandsworth or Wimbledon and has access to lots of parkland might opt for a Labrador Retriever or Cocker Spaniel, requiring plenty of exercise and space.

Sometimes, people choose a dog breed because they feel it reflects their personality and style, with people who live in trendy areas, such as Shoreditch, opting for breeds that have been popularised by celebrities, so we just urge people to make sure they understand the breed and its characteristics before they buy and to spend time researching the wide variety of dog breeds, to ensure they get the right one for them.”